MS in Human Nutrition with DI
The well-established combined Master of Science in Human Nutrition and Dietetic Internship program at OHSU has been providing top-notch graduate education since 2003. With over 100 graduates, the combined MS/DI program at OHSU is well-positioned to meet the new graduate degree requirement for RD/RDNs. The Master of Science in Human Nutrition is offered with a thesis or capstone option.
The goal of the MS/DI program is to train dietetic professionals in the methods, implementation and interpretation of nutrition science, and to apply and advance the field of nutrition through research, clinical, management or community areas of practice.
Dietetic Internship courses and supervised practice rotations are completed during the first year while the master's coursework is completed throughout the two year program. The internship portion of the program provides students with the supervised practice experience needed to fulfill the competencies for dietitian nutritionists established by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition (ACEND). The program includes rotation sites in Portland and throughout the state of Oregon. The supervised practice component of the program consists of approximately 32 hours of supervised practice experiences (Tuesday through Friday) and didactic instruction on Mondays. The program has a strong clinical focus complemented by community outreach experiences. The program also encourages participation in enrichment activities in food security, sustainable food systems and food access
The MS/DI program may be completed in eight to nine quarters depending on the thesis or capstone project. Some students complete the program in nine to ten quarters.
Thesis or Capstone: A Guide for Prospective Students
Mission
The Dietetic Internship program prepares graduates to deliver evidence-based nutrition care and dietetics services to improve the health of Oregonians and individuals living throughout the United States. We foster the pursuit of excellence in students through the provision of a wide array of experiences in professional leadership and practice to be carried forward into their careers as Registered Dietitian Nutritionists.
Program goals and objectives
To prepare graduates for competitive entry-level positions in the field of nutrition and dietetics.
Objectives
- Over a five-year period, 90% of students enrolled in the DI program will complete the program within 16 months, which is 150% of the program duration.
- Over a five-year period, 75% of students enrolled in the combined MS/DI program will complete the program within 36 months, which is 150% of the program duration.
- 90% of graduates will pass the national Registration Examination for Dietitians on initial attempt.
- 80% of graduates will obtain employment in the field of nutrition and dietetics within one year of graduation.
- 75% of employers will rate our graduates as either superior or above average in comparison to employees of similar age, education, experience, and responsibility.
To foster professional leadership and specialty practice skills in graduates.
Objectives:
Of those who respond to follow-up surveys:
- 25% of graduates will report that they have assumed a leadership role in their place of employment within five years of graduation. Examples could include, but are not limited to, serving as a project lead, committee chair, task force member, spokesperson, trainer, or manager.
- 50% of graduates will report involvement within a local, state, or national professional organization and/or volunteer organization within five years of graduation. Examples could include, but are not limited to, serving on a board of directors or conference planning committee, participating in nutrition advocacy events, serving as an item writer for the registration exam, or volunteering at a non-profit such as a food bank or faith-based organization.
- 25% of graduates will report that they have obtained or are working towards obtaining one or more specialty certification(s) from the Commission on Dietetic Registration, National Board of Nutrition Support Certification, National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators, or other certification from an accredited professional organization, or a graduate degree from an accredited university within five years of graduation.
- 50% of graduates will report that they have become a preceptor for one or more dietetic internship program within five years of graduation.
Outcome data available upon request.